Christmas in Connecticut is a movie, but it is also a time of year. Connecticut shines (literally) in December and there are tons of activities and festivals to help usher in the Christmas season.

Connecticut is the perfect place to spend Christmas. The state has some of the most beautiful winter scenery in the country, and it’s home to many charming towns that are decked out with holiday decorations. There are also plenty of fun things to do during this festive time of year, including ice skating, visiting Santa Claus at local malls, and attending holiday concerts.

 

The best Christmas things to do in Connecticut

 

Visit Santa’s Reindeer at the Greenwich Reindeer Festival

Where: Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, Greenwich

When: December 3-4

Why go? This is a great opportunity to visit with Santa’s Reindeer before they get shipped off to the North Pole. The reindeer are housed in a festive red and green barn where you can get your picture taken with them and even feed them treats

Cut down your own tree at one of many local Christmas tree farms

Where: Christmas tree farms all throughout CT

When: Anytime

Why go? Not only can you cut your own Christmas tree (and get it wrapped and put on your car for free!) but most farms offer other activities like hayrides, Santa visits, hot chocolate, and more.

Find a listing of some of the best CT Christmas Tree

Take a ride on the Polar Express in Essex, CT

Where: Polar Express Train Ride, Essex

When: All December long!

Why go? Hop on board and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to a reading of The Polar Express. Plus you can purchase a ticket for a reserved seat to visit Santa on the North Pole too.

 

Eat a traditional Colonial Christmas dinner at the Griswold Inn in Essex

Where: Griswold Inn, Essex

When: December 18 & 19

Why go? The Griswold Inn goes all out for their Colonial Christmas dinner. You can get traditional fare like roast turkey or beef tenderloin while dressed in your Sunday best. Later on, you will be serenaded by costumed carolers singing in 4 part harmony.

 

Visit Mystic Aquarium and see Santa’s elves diving with the fish.

Where: Mystic Aquarium, Mystic

When: December 1-31

Why go? Of all the places to take your picture with Santa…this is by far the coolest. See Santa and his elves put on scuba gear and dive into a tank of fish while you snap away on camera. It’s an experience your kids will never forget.

 

Enjoy free Ice Skating at Winterfest Hartford

Where: Bushnell Park, Hartford

When: November 26-January 9

Why go? Winterfest offers free ice skating and free skate rentals at the outdoor rink in Bushnell Park. It’s a great activity for when the kids are out of school and is much less busy in the afternoon.

 

Hartford Holiday Light Fantasia

Where: Goodwin Park, Hartford

When: Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day

Why go? This is an event that can’t be missed. The city of Hartford goes all out to decorate Goodwin Park with thousands of lights while blaring holiday music. You can drive through it all while sipping on hot chocolate and feeling festive.

Festival of Lights Olde Mistick Village, Mystic

Where: Olde Mistick Village, Route 27, Mystic

When: The 2nd Friday in December

Why go? A festive Christmas celebration with music, yummy treats, and decorations. It should not be missed. All of the shops, galleries, and restaurants are decorated for the holidays and there’s even a live reindeer! Get there early and enjoy the Mystic Aquarium for free with a can of food.

Connecticut Christmas Light Displays

Where: All over Connecticut

When: The month of December

Why go? Most towns in Connecticut have a decorated house or two that host an elaborate Christmas light display. While some are done by the town, others are privately held. Here is a great list of the places you should drive to find some spectacular light displays.

Lantern Light Village in Mystic Village

Where: Mystic Village, Mystic

When: weekends December 1-31

Why go? This is a highly festive event where you can stroll through the streets of Mystic Village and see Christmas trees, old fashioned lanterns and homes lit up in all their glory. You will have a guide who will tell you all about Christmas in Colonial Connecticut.

(This is very similar to Sturbridge Village at Christmas, but a much shorter drive.)

 

Visit with Santa at the Shoreline Trolley Museum

Where: Shore Line Trolley Museum, East Haven

When: Every weekend in December

Why go? Take a ride on the vintage trolley and stop at the special Christmas station where you can meet Santa Claus himself. Plus, you will get some treats on the ride.

Bethlehem Christmas Festival

Where: Bethlehem, CT

When: The first weekend in December

Why go? You can get your Christmas cards mailed from the Bethlehem, CT post office, get some delicious food, browse the local shops and enjoy live music. Plus, free kids crafts, a fun run, and more.

 

Lake Compounce Holiday Lights

Where: Lake Compounce, Bristol

When: November 25 – January 2 (on weekends only)

Why go? This is one of the best-known holiday light-viewing experiences in Connecticut, where you can see millions of LED lights covering the park as you enjoy riding some of your favorite rides. Lots of kiddie land rides are open, you can visit Santa, decorate cookies, and listen to Mrs. Claus read Christmas books.

 

Hubbard Park Silver Lights Festival

Where: Hubbard Park, Meriden

When: November 21-January 4 (closed December 25)

Why go? See the park light up with more than 1 million LED lights. Some are shaped like animals, some are snowflakes and some are just lighting trees. You can also visit Santa’s Workshop and see an entire village through the windows.

The Silver Lights Festival is FREE!

 

Allegra Farms Carriage Ride and Sleigh Ride

Where: East Haddam, CT

When: throughout the year

Why go? This old-fashioned farm offers a sleigh ride once there is snow on the ground. If you have never been on a horse-pulled sleigh this is something you must do! Call for reservations

Kent Gingerbread Festival

Where: Kent, CT

When: December

Why go? Gingerbread houses galore line Kent Town Center. Each of the gingerbread creations is waiting to be judged the best! The display is up throughout the month of December and winners are announced on Jan. 1st.

 

Messiah Sing-along

Messiah Sing Along video

Where: First Presbyterian Church, New Haven

When: First Sunday in December

Why go? Join in this annual tradition where you can sing along with the Yale Glee Club. The solos are outstanding and it’s a great opportunity to sing the historic music with a thousand of your neighbors.

 

New Haven Tree Lighting Ceremony

Where: New Haven Green

When: First Thursday in December

Why go? This is the official kick-off to this holiday season with a visit from Santa, live music & entertainment, and of course the lighting of the tree!

 

Go see “A Christmas Carol”

Where: Hartford Stage

When: End of November through the end of December

Why go? The Hartford Stage has put on this holiday classic for 50 years! This is your chance to see (or take the kids to) see this beloved Christmas tale. Get tickets early!

 

Beardsley Zoo’s Winter Wonderland Walk

Where: Bridgeport

When: November 25- January 4

Why go? This is “ZOOLights” Connecticut style! See the animals in their winter coats and imagine all the fun you will have this holiday season. And don’t miss Santa’s Village which includes a place to mail your letter to Santa. 12 lovely vignettes will delight and entertain you and your children.

 

Ice carving and music at Shops of Yale

Where: New Haven at Chapel and Broadway

When: 2nd weekend in December

Why go? Watch ice carvers transform blocks of ice into festive sculptures. The 900-pound blocks of ice are carved by 6 professional carvers from around New England. Various acapella groups from Yale perform as well.

 

 

No matter what you choose to do in Connecticut to celebrate Christmas there are many choices to be found. Remember, there is no place like Connecticut! Merry Christmas everyone!

For more Christmas in New England visit my post- The Best Christmas Activities in New England.

Plus find out other charming small towns in Connecticut or find a great Airbnb in Connecticut.